Chennai Super Kings is one of the most high-profile squads in the competition. Very few teams come close to CSK in terms of its position as a brand, and a huge chunk of it is because of the team’s success on the field.
CSK has always been outstanding in the auctions, and that has helped them do well on the pitch. Over the years, some of the finest cricketing talents have enrobed the Yellow jersey, and collectively, all have eased CSK reach a cult status amongst their fans.
In this article, we attempt an interesting premise wherein the CSK squad of 2008 merges with the current team that is playing in IPL 2020. We look at a combined XI comprising these two squads and analyze the players in each category.
Openers: Matthew Hayden and Mike Hussey
Now, what can we say about this batting duo? CSK secondary, but what they have done together for Australia is unforgettable. Coming to CSK, Matthew Hayden and Mike Hussey have just been astonishing. Both have given their best for the franchise, and in the process, have lifted the silverware too. While Hayden is a no-nonsense striker of the ball, Mike is a terrific batsman in all the stages of the innings. The likes of Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis would have come close, but even they would have admitted that the Hayden-Hussey partnership is the abler selection.
Alternatives: Shane Watson, Stephen Fleming and Faf du Plessis
Middle-Order: Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni
If not for Suresh Raina’s unforeseen exit, this middle-order would have been in action this season. Nevertheless, Suresh was present in 2008 too, and hence, he makes it to this squad. While MS Dhoni is an undebatable selection, there could have been a tight competition between Ambati Rayudu and Subramanian Badrinath to take up the No.4 slot. However, we feel Rayudu is a better pick for a variety of reasons. CSK had mostly used Badri as a floater, and his success is hence not guaranteed at this position. On the other hand, Rayudu has played for India at No.4 and is tailor-made to play here. Also, we felt Rayudu has a better attacking-side to his batsmanship than Badrinath.
Alternatives: Subramaniam Badrinath and Kedar Jadhav
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo
Although CSK had good all-rounders like Albie Morkel and Jacob Oram in 2008, for this segment, we are forced to go with the contemporary stars. Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja have been part of CSK’s core for a while, and are effective at their trade in almost every encounter. While Bravo takes care of the death overs, Jadeja dictates the game during the middle-overs. With the bat, on their day, both are sureshot match-winners. And with regards to fielding, both operate at the highest level.
Alternatives: Albie Morkel and Sam Curran
Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Muthaiah Muralitharan, Deepak Chahar and L Balaji
In the bowling department, we feel the boys from 2008 gain an upper hand. The Ashwin-Muralitharan combo was a delight to watch, and in this line-up, Jadeja bowling alongside them will add to the impact. Of course, Ashwin is more than a decent buck with the bat at No.8. Makhaya Ntini does not find a place in this line-up owing to the overseas rule, and considering the overall careers of the other Indian bowlers, Lakshmipathy Balaji comes into this team. Balaji is a good option in the middle-overs, and could also partner Bravo at the death on slow pitches. Joining him will be the current leader of the CSK pace-attack- Deepak Chahar. Deepak will surely open the attack, and it will be interesting if Ashwin shares the new-ball with him.
Alternatives: Makhaya Ntini and Imran Tahir
